Airbus supports new flight training school in Vietnam

Reflecting its commitment to support the development of Vietnam's aerospace industry, Airbus is joining forces with Vietnam Airlines - as well as various national companies and France's ESMA Aviation Academy - to assist the development of pilot training in the country.

Airbus is joining forces with Vietnam Airlines and various national companies to assist the development of pilot training in Vietnam.

A support agreement for the newly-inaugurated Viet Flight Training Company (VFTC) in Ho Chi Minh City was announced this month involving these entities, as well as France's ESMA Aviation Academy.

The VFTC training centre was established to offer ab initio training for up to 100 cadet pilots per year - responding to the rapidly increasing need for new pilots in Vietnam.

Under the support agreement, Airbus will help set up the organisational structure of the centre and offer assistance in obtaining the required accreditations from the aviation authorities. It will also provide a two-year knowledge-based and practical training programme by experts from Europe for key Vietnamese personnel - enabling them to assume full responsibility and management of the school by 2011.

This agreement reflects the commitment by Airbus and its EADS parent company to support the development of Vietnam's aerospace industry - which is identified as a future potential partner for industrial collaboration.

Airbus' presence in Vietnam dates back to the early 1990s. Today, Vietnam Airlines operates a fleet of 27 Airbus aircraft - composed of single-aisle A320s/A321s, and widebody A330s. The carrier has another 11 A321s on firm order, along with 10 all-new A350-900 jetliners.